Appetronix, the robotics company that partnered with Donatos Pizza on the latter’s first fully autonomous restaurant last year, says Jane Grote Abell has joined its board of directors. Grote Abell is the founding family member, chief purpose officer and executive chairwoman of the board of Donatos Pizza.
Donatos launched its first robotic pizzeria in Concourse B at the airport in Columbus, Ohio, in the summer of 2025. It’s a collaboration between Donatos, Appetronix and Agápe Automation offering round-the-clock pizza without a single human hand touching the pie.
Related: The Response to Donatos’ Robotic Location Has Surprised the People Who Built It
As a second-generation member of her family business, Grote Abell is widely recognized as a visionary known for sharp decision-making and problem-solving. She navigated Donatos through its acquisition by McDonald’s, and then recognized the opportunity to rebuild the brand and led the successful effort to buy Donatos back. She credits her 4C’s of success—character, courage, conviction and compassion—as the guideposts that led the team back to the success it enjoys today.
“Jane has done what almost no one in our industry has done…scaled a beloved restaurant brand, navigated a sale to and a buyback from the world’s largest restaurant company, and built a values-driven business that lasts,” said Nipun Sharma, Appetronix’s CEO and cofounder. “Jane’s courage, vision, passion and values perfectly represents the credo of Appetronix. Appetronix has survived and thrived from the trust and guidance we have received from Jane and her father Jim Grote, the founder of Donatos, and we are delighted to continue building on our partnership to scale autonomous restaurants globally.”
Related: Jane Grote Abell Puts the Golden Rule into Action at Donatos
Grote Abell was featured on PMQ Pizza’s cover in the March 2023 issue. She took over her dad’s role as president of Donatos in 2007 and replaced him as chair of the board in 2010. She spearheaded Donatos’ growth through a partnership that saw Donatos stores nested in hundreds of Red Robin burger restaurants nationwide. She also took on the newly created role of Donatos’ chief purpose officer, leading initiatives to combat poverty and unemployment in Columbus’ south side through The Reeb Center, which she cofounded.
In 2015 she released her first book, The Missing Piece: Doing Business the Donatos Way, the story of a classic American family business and an insightful account of her lifelong education in leadership, authenticity and running a values-based business. She was also featured in CBS’s hit series Undercover Boss. And she serves as the vice chair of the YWCA Columbus board and on the governing committee of the Columbus Foundation.
Grote Abell has been named to the YWCA Academy of Women of Achievement, honored as CEO of the Year by Columbus CEO magazine, and listed among the Top 24 Women in Franchising by Franchise Update Magazine. She holds a degree from Ohio State University, along with four honorary degrees, and resides in Columbus.
“I believe great food and strong operations go hand in hand, but it’s people who make both possible,” Grote Abell said. “What excites me about Appetronix is how it removes friction so teams can focus on creating meaningful guest experiences—that’s Agape Capitalism in action. Made-to-order, fresh and consistently delicious—that’s what guests deserve. With Nipun’s leadership, bringing together the right people and the right technology, we can finally deliver that at scale. I’m proud to help guide what comes next.”
